Manuel Neuer retires from international football: Decoding his stats
Manuel Neuer, the renowned goalkeeper for Germany, has announced his retirement from international football. This decision comes in the wake of Euro 2024. Neuer's retirement marks him as the fourth German player to step down this summer, following Ilkay Gundogan, Toni Kroos, and Thomas Muller. Germany made it to the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 before being knocked out by eventual winners Spain. Here are further details.
Neuer's retirement marks end of an era
Neuer's retirement signifies the end of an era for German football, which has seen several key players depart from the international scene. As mentioned, his decision follows those of his teammates Gundogan, Kroos, and Muller who also announced their retirements in recent times. The quartet's departure leaves a significant void in Germany's squad.
Neuer made 124 appearances, won 2014 World Cup with Germany
The 38-year-old Bayern Munich goalkeeper made his international debut in 2009. He went on to feature in eight major tournaments and made 124 appearances in all competitions. Neuer started in Germany's 2024 FIFA World Cup final victory over Argentina in Brazil. He was named captain of the team before the 2018 World Cup. He was replaced as skipper by Gundogan earlier this year. In addition to winning the 2014 World Cup, he finished 3rd with Germany in the 2010 event.
5th-highest number of appearances for Germany
Neuer owns the 5th-highest number of appearances for Germany. Lothar Matthaus (150), Miroslav Klose (137), Thomas Muller (131) and Lukas Podolski (130) own more appearances for Germany. He also holds the record for being the 3rd-oldest German player to play for the national side at 38 years, 100 days. He attained this feat at the 2024 European Championship match versus Spain.
